Explore records, photographs, and stories from the people and places that shaped our community.
Search Our DatabaseWelcome to the Benton County Historical Society & Museum
Preserving the stories, artifacts, and heritage of Benton County, Minnesota since 1949.
📅 Today in History
United States
• 1854 The U.S. Naval Academy holds its first graduation in Annapolis, Maryland.
• 1943 FDR becomes first US president to visit a foreign country during wartime
Minnesota
• L’etoile du Nord became Minnesota’s state motto in 1861.
• Milk became Minnesota’s official state drink in 1984.
Benton County
• The first session of district court in Benton County was held at Jeremiah Russell’s house in Sauk Rapids.
• William A. Aitkin served as chairman of Benton County’s first board of commissioners.